Christopher C. Doll: Trump’s speech is plain because it lacks details

Re “Four reasons to vote for trump” and “Trumps appeal is his confidence” (Letters, March 6): These letters warrant a reply. One writer claims Donald Trump is a “successful businessman” who will “look at the bottom line.” However, according to Business Week, if Trump had put all his money in an index fund based on the S&P 500 back in 1978, reinvesting the dividends, his net worth would be double what it is today. And based on projections from the Congressional Budget Office, the non-partisan Tax Policy Center asserts that Trump’s tax plan would increase the budget deficit by 57 percent over four years.

The other writer conflates Trump’s vanity for confidence, and applauds his “plain-spoken, in-your-face rhetoric.” However, his rhetoric is plain-spoken because it’s devoid of policy details. And when challenged on specifics that he can’t answer, Trump resorts to name calling and ad hominem attacks.

One of the unfortunate aspects of Trump’s candidacy is the possibility that people – especially the young and impressionable – will emulate his repugnant behavior. They would be wise not to.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 12:02 PM with the headline "Christopher C. Doll: Trump’s speech is plain because it lacks details."